The Health Blog

Infection with the avian flu virus, popularly known as the “bird flu” virus has raised major concerns in health sectors because of its increasing incidence, especially in most Asian countries.

Humans who contract bird flu (H5N1) experience typical flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, eye infections, pneumonia, and severe respiratory distress.

The course of the disease is very aggressive and quickly progressive. Statistics say that half of the patients who contracted bird flu from direct contact with infected birds in Asian countries have died.

Seeing these symptoms promptly is very important for correct and early management of this disease. Prompt medical treatment is of utmost important. In some cases, medical facilities are not within the reach of the patient. While waiting for a medical treatment, you can do these recommended self-care techniques to relieve viral flu symptoms:

1. Rest in bed. Avoid physical exertion. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

2. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, and clear soups. Water should not be the sole or main liquid consumed because it does not contain adequate electrolytes (sodium and potassium, for example) that the body requires. Commercially available products such as Gatorade and other similar sports drinks can be useful in this regard. For children, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets are another good way to replenish the body. A similar rehydrating solution can be made at home using salt, sugar, and plain or rice water. Adding some orange juice and mashed bananas enhances the taste and also provides a good source of potassium. Such a solution can be used by anyone, regardless of age.

3. Treat fever and aches with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol is a common brand), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin are examples), and naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn can be purchased at most drug stores). Caution should be exercised when using aspirin; for children younger than 16 years with symptoms of flu or cold, aspirin is not recommended because it is associated with liver and brain damage (a condition known as Reye syndrome).

4. Use cough suppressants and expectorants to treat the cough.

5. Steam inhalations may be useful in opening up a blocked nose and thus make breathing easier.

• To create steam, boil water on the stove, remove the pot from the stove, then sit with a towel over your head and inhale the steam. The water should be hot, but not boiling, under your face. Use caution with this technique if you have asthma. Some individuals choose to add one-half teaspoon of camphor- and menthol-containing vapor agents, such as Vicks Vaposteam for Hot Steam Vaporizers, one to two drops of eucalyptus oil, or a few slices of ginger to the boiling water to provide an aromatic vapor.
• Another simple method is steaming up the bathroom by letting the shower run with hot water only. Inhaling the moisture in a steamy room can serve a similar purpose. Be careful, however, not to sit directly under the shower in order to avoid getting burned.

6. Avoid touching hard surfaces where flu viruses may remain alive: handrails, telephones, doors, faucets, and counters. Wash your hands often, especially after being in public places or at work.

7. Cough and sneeze into a soft tissue or handkerchief. Carefully dispose of tissues after using them.

8. Stay away from people who have the flu if possible. If you experience flu symptoms, you should consider staying at home and not going to work or to crowded places in which you might spread the virus.

Source: EmedicineHealth.com